Made by a Fabricista: A Casual Jumpsuit

Have you seen all of the new jumpsuit patterns that are coming out lately? There are so many! I've been anxious to try a jumpsuit, but hadn't worked up the courage until I saw Sandra Betzina's version with Vogue 1483.

I always enjoy Sandra's patterns, so I decided to give this one a try. You can see from the line drawing that it has pockets (YAY!), a zip front and raglan sleeves.

It reminded me of this one that I had seen by Stella McCartney, which I liked, but would cost $1700 at Barneys!

I really struggled with what to make it out of. I wanted something drapey, but not too thin. The pattern suggests ponte knit, challis, or crepe, so I went to Fabric Mart's ponte selection. I was afraid that a solid would look too industrial, so I decided on this print.

Here's a close-up of the details and the print. I have to admit that this was out of my comfort zone in the print- but sometimes it's good to try new things. I knew that it was a good fabric composition- ponte knits that have rayon as the largest component are very soft and have a great hand to them. They are very easy to sew with, and the fact that it could stretch was important just in case I made the rise too short!

So, now that the decision was made on the fabric and the pattern, then came the decisions about adjustments. Being tall, I could never, EVER wear a ready to wear jumpsuit- they are way too short. I added 3" total- 1-1/2" at the bottom of the bodice, and 1-1/2" at the hem, and I think it turned out to be pretty good for my 5'9" frame. If I were to make this from a woven fabric, I would add another 1-1/2" at the top of the pant portion.

There are a few considerations to take into account when wearing a jumpsuit, and the first that most people think of is -how do I get out of this thing? Well- this one is easy. The zipper front is just like putting on a pair of onesie pajamas.

In fact, that is probably my main issue with it- how to not have it look like pajamas! I've noticed since making this that most of the jumpsuit patterns are sleeveless, which would cut down on that pajama look. I thought about chopping off the sleeves, but it's still pretty chilly here, and I need sleeves!

So, I decided to wear a vest, belt and necklace with it instead. My daughter said that it looked like I was going hunting in my pajamas. Haha. I do see her point- while the print is not a camo, it does have that vibe! But, I've worn this a couple of times already and I have gotten quite a few compliments. In fact, my husband really likes it! He rarely comments on anything, but he thinks this one is fun. But more importantly, I really like wearing it!

How about you? Any jumpsuits that you would like to make? Have you stepped out of your comfort zone to try something different?

Happy Sewing!

Ann for SewBaby News

Made By A Fabricista: Falling for Knits

We are now well into Fall, even though the temps are still relatively warm here in Texas. I love the fall season and dressing for Fall. When it comes to the conversation of knits vs. wovens I typically sew mostly wovens. So for this post I decided to sew completely knits! With the holiday season right around the corner I saw these three dress styles as perfect for Friendsgiving/Thanksgiving gatherings. The first look is a tried and true pattern Simplicity S9372. Using this gorgeous burgundy ponte knit , I like how this pattern fits throughout. I chose this color to add to my typically neutral palette in my closet. I also wanted something I could wear to my sorority meetings and found this color perfect. It's an easy sew with back fisheye darts and invisible zipper to add to the tapered style. The neckline and armholes are finished with bias binding giving it a clean finish on the inside. I used a universal needle to sew a...

Made By A Fabricista: The Art of the Slow Make: My La Forme Double-Breasted Jacket

I started this project back in July — one of those mid-summer sewing plans meant to get me ahead for fall. My idea was simple: start my wardrobe a season (or two) early so that when cooler weather came, I’d already have a few handmade pieces ready to wear. That was the plan, anyway. But as sewing often reminds us, plans evolve. This jacket, made using La Forme pattern No. 0303, is a double-breasted design with peak lapels and an exaggerated hip detail that gives it such a striking silhouette. I fell in love with the structure of the pattern right away — it has that timeless, tailored feel I can never resist — but it also asked for patience. I picked it up and put it down several times over the months, letting it rest while I worked on other projects, until finally, the timing felt right to bring it to life. And now, here we are — the leaves are turning, there’s a chill in the air, and some parts of the country are even seeing snow. My summer-started jacket is finally finished, and it c...

Made By A Fabricista: Closing 2025 with a Lined Jacket

Hello again, sewing friends! It seems we have arrived yet again in the grandest season for layering, all this oncoming cold weather. I like ending the year with something warm and very useful. Seems based on my past Fabricista posts, I love to sew year-end outerwear, and this round is no different! I challenged myself with a new lined coat (wait, jacket? Coat? I feel like the presence of wool changes things?). Anyhoo, since the lovely Chalk & Notch Den Jacket has been in my queue, I proceeded ahead. I like the large pockets, the option to line or not, and the extra bodice and sleeve seams for topstitching. Sewing this coat is not at all difficult, but the many pieces and loads of topstitching will take a bit of time. My version took me a few multiple-hour sessions to complete. I sewed a size 2, which matches my measurements, and I made no alterations. Hint: for a quick size test, just employ the lining pieces. Gorgeous, muted blue as a soft wool flannel ? This is ...

Fabric Mart Fabricistas

Search This Blog